Axios: US readies for prolonged conflict with Iran over Hormuz tensions

The White House is bracing for what could turn into a prolonged confrontation with Iran over tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with officials warning that the exchange of attacks could continue for days or even weeks.

According to US officials who spoke to Axios, the duration and intensity of the campaign will depend largely on how Tehran responds in the coming days.

One US official said the current phase of the conflict could end within a couple of days or stretch into weeks, or even a month, depending on whether Iran continues targeting commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

"We're going to slap them a bit so they understand we're not f*cking around," the US official said.

For now, diplomatic efforts have effectively been put on hold as military action once again takes priority in President Trump's approach toward Iran.

US officials said the administration believes it has greater flexibility to increase pressure because hundreds of oil tankers have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks. That development has reduced concerns within the White House that renewed hostilities would immediately spark a sharp increase in global oil prices.

A US official argued that the latest escalation reflects growing dissatisfaction among hardline factions within Iran's divided leadership, who view the MOU as having failed to produce meaningful gains for the country.

The official said Iranian authorities became increasingly concerned as their influence over shipping traffic in Hormuz weakened, with large numbers of vessels opting for the southern route near Oman's coastline.

Although Washington granted sanctions waivers, Iran continued to face difficulties exporting oil because many financial institutions were unwilling to process related transactions, while potential buyers remained hesitant to depend on temporary exemptions. In addition, frozen Iranian assets have not been released because Tehran has yet to implement the nuclear-related measures required under the agreement.

"Part of the Iranian leadership was not happy about all of those things," the US official said. "They started shooting and we decided it's time to slap them back hard. It's a process. We have patience. If we don't feel we're getting the deal we want, we are not going to do it."

By Jeyhun Aghazada